Manchin is the target of a political action committee's television ad blasting him for voting against legislation to cut aid to Egypt, Pakistan and Libya that could cost Israel and other countries their U.S. assistance.

The legislation was authored by Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who also has the PAC funding the ad.

But another GOP senator, South Carolina's Lindsey Graham, told reporters Tuesday that Manchin cast the right vote to preserve Egypt's past ties to the U.S., and its peace treaty with Israel.

Graham said he is North Carolina campaigning for Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and seeks a GOP-majority Senate. Manchin staffers arranged the call with reporters.